Herbs in Alternative Medicine

Plants with curative properties are called medicinal herbs. There are thousands of medicinal herbs that have active ingredients (pharmaceutically active substance). Any part of a medicinal plant such as leaf, stem, flower and root can be used for therapeutic purposes. Medicinal plants have been used as an alternative medicine since long time. In fact, people relied on these plants for therapeutic purposes before the advent of modern medications.

In recent times, herbal medicines have become popular for treatment of diseases and for improving the overall health. Many individuals opt for herbal medicine rather than chemical medication, as the former has very few or no long-term side effects. Let's take a look at some of the most common herbs that are used in alternative medicine.

Astragalus
Astragalus is used for stimulating the immune system and blood circulatory system. It can also be used to cure shortness of breath, increased sweating and skin lesions.

Basil
Basil leaves are used for treatment of abdominal pain, cold, flu, cough, fever, headache and vomiting. Ground basil leaves are effective for curing acne. Basil is also an effective herb for reducing the stomach acid irritation for heartburn patients.

Garlic
Garlic is an important medicinal herb that is commonly used in cooking. It contains antioxidant, especially in the bulb, that helps the body to fight against certain diseases and disorders. Several researches have proved the effectiveness of garlic in reducing hypertension, heart disease and liver disease.

Ginseng
Ginseng is used to enhance the circulatory system and memory power of an individual. Many people claim that ginseng roots are effective for detoxifying the body and lowering the cholesterol level.

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is the only medicinal herb used for promoting mental health. The leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba is used to treat anxiety, depression, neurodegenerative disorders, memory loss, visual problems, tinnitus and circulatory problems.

Oregano
Oregano, mostly consumed as herbal tea, is used to alleviate pain and discomfort during menstrual period. It is also used for stimulating perspiration, as a part of treatment for cold, flu and fever. Oregano when used in steam inhalation helps in clearing the bronchial passages.

Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the most widely used medicinal herb. It is used for treatment of digestive problems such as indigestion, flatulence, bloating and stomach ulcers. According to research studies, peppermint oil helps in stimulation of blood flow and relaxation of muscle and intestinal spasms. Due to its antibacterial properties, peppermint is used to treat skin problems.

Rosemary
Rosemary is used for regulating the circulatory system and for the treatment of diseases such as migraine, bad breath, stomach pain and nervous system problems. In order to treat sore throat, rosemary leaves can be boiled with water and used for gargling. Externally, rosemary extract is applied to provide relief from insect bites, burns, muscle pain and arthritis.

It is to be noted that the effect of these medicinal herbs vary from one person to another. Prolonged use of any medicinal herbs may be harmful to health. It is always recommended to consult a qualified physician before taking high doses of medicinal herbs.